Cabinet Construction 101: What Makes Quality Cabinetry

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Cabinet Construction 101: What Makes Quality Cabinetry

Beautiful cabinetry starts with the materials you choose — but true quality comes from how each cabinet is engineered and built. From joinery to hardware, construction details determine strength, longevity, and day-to-day function.

At Refined Interiors, we believe quality cabinetry isn’t defined by a single feature — it’s the result of thoughtful construction from the inside out.

This guide breaks down the fundamentals of cabinet construction so you can clearly see the difference between mass-produced cabinetry and the level of craftsmanship found in custom-built work.

Face-Frame vs. Frameless Cabinets

These two construction styles create different looks, strengths, and design possibilities. Both can be built well — but each fits a different aesthetic and performance goal.

Face-Frame Cabinets

Built with a solid wood frame on the front of the cabinet box, offering strength and a timeless aesthetic.

  • Look: Classic and refined with visible structure.
  • Benefits: Increased rigidity, easier door alignment, excellent for inset doors.
  • Style Matches: Traditional, transitional, and craftsman-style homes.

Frameless (Euro-Style) Cabinets

Built without a face frame, offering a clean, modern appearance and slightly more interior space.

  • Look: Sleek and minimal with tight door gaps.
  • Benefits: Maximum access to interior storage; ideal for flat-panel doors.
  • Style Matches: Modern and contemporary homes.

No matter the style, precision construction ensures your doors hang true, your drawers glide smoothly, and your cabinets hold up for decades.

¾" Plywood vs. Particleboard: Why It Matters

The cabinet box is the foundation of the entire system. While it’s often hidden, the material you choose dramatically affects durability and longevity.

¾" Plywood

Strong, stable, and resistant to warping — the preferred material for high-quality cabinetry.

Particleboard

Cost-effective but weaker; prone to sagging and moisture damage. Common in big-box cabinetry.

We exclusively build with ¾" plywood for its structural integrity — ensuring your cabinets stay square, strong, and reliable for decades.

Dovetail Drawers: The Mark of Quality

Drawer boxes endure the most daily use of any part of your cabinetry. Strong joinery is essential — and dovetail joinery is the gold standard.

Interlocking joints create exceptional strength and prevent drawers from loosening or falling apart over time.

  • Durability: Withstands years of opening, closing, and weight.
  • Aesthetics: Clean, beautiful craftsmanship visible every time you open a drawer.
  • Longevity: Solid wood dovetail drawers outlast nearly all other construction methods.

Undermount Soft-Close Slides: Smooth, Silent Performance

Hardware is the hidden engine that determines how your cabinets feel in everyday use. Cheap slides wear out quickly, stick, or become noisy — but premium soft-close undermount slides transform the experience.

Quiet Close

Drawers glide effortlessly and close softly — no slamming.

Full Extension

You can access every inch of the drawer, maximizing storage.

Long-Term Reliability

Designed to hold substantial weight and maintain performance for years.

We standardize premium undermount soft-close hardware in every project — because convenience and quality should never be optional.

Why Joinery Matters

Joinery is the backbone of cabinetry. While it’s easy to overlook, the type of joinery used determines stability, strength, and longevity.

Quality joinery prevents cabinets from racking, loosening, or failing under weight — something assembly-line cabinetry often struggles to achieve.

  • Dovetails: For drawer boxes — unmatched durability.
  • Mortise-and-tenon: For structural frames — incredibly strong.
  • Pocket screws & dowels: Effective when used properly.

When your cabinetry is built with thoughtful joinery, it not only looks refined — it feels solid, reliable, and built to last.

Craftsmanship That Goes Beyond the Surface

From construction to finishing, every detail affects the longevity and feel of your cabinetry. We’re committed to building pieces that perform beautifully for decades — inside and out.

Start your custom cabinetry project or explore more craftsmanship insights in Beyond the Hinges.

At Refined Interiors, every cabinet begins with craftsmanship — and every project ends with refinement.